A defendant pleaded "no contest" to a fourth degree misdemeanor charge of reckless operation of a vehicle. The trial judge suspended his driver's license for five years when the maximum license suspension for a fourth degree misdemeanor is three years. The court of appeals noted that the trial judge had a duty to "apply the law as written" and that a judge's sentence is void when they try to impose a sentence greater than that allowed by law. The court of appeals reversed and remanded the case as you can read here.
If you are accused of a crime or have been convicted already, contact me if you can afford to hire a private attorney. Otherwise, contact your county or state public defender to see if they can help.
